Anduril Acquires Klas to Boost Edge Computing for Military

Anduril Boosts Military Edge Computing with Klas Acquisition

Anduril has acquired Klas, a Dublin-based company specializing in ruggedized edge computing hardware for military and first responders. This marks Anduril's ninth acquisition. Financial details remain undisclosed, and the deal awaits regulatory approval. Klas currently employs 150 people.

Coinciding with the acquisition, Anduril also launched Menace-T, a portable command center system. Unlike traditional bulky systems, Menace-T fits into two carry-on cases and can be deployed quickly by a single person. It aims to bring edge computing and communication to remote and challenging environments, and is already in use in ground vehicles and maritime vessels.

Menace-T and the IVAS Headset

One key application for Menace-T is supporting the military's Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) VR headsets. Anduril took over this previously troubled $21.9 billion project from Microsoft in February, with Microsoft remaining a cloud partner.

Anduril's Lattice software, which provides AI-powered object identification, is already integrated with IVAS. The company believes Klas's technology, which powers Menace-T, can address IVAS challenges like reliable data processing.

“There are scenarios where soldiers need to communicate with the tactical edge to send and receive data, and task autonomous systems. This is where Klas's technology can help,” said Tom Keane, SVP of Engineering, at a press conference. “Klas has already been supplying technology to IVAS for several years. We expect to do more there.”

Beyond Military Applications

Beyond military use, powerful edge computing like Klas's has potential in various sectors, including automotive, industrial applications, and even pollution monitoring. While Anduril's current focus is on military and law enforcement, the company acknowledges the potential for commercial applications of this technology in the future.

“The technology and products from Klas have many use cases: military, national security, law enforcement, autonomy, and more. Anduril, together with our partners, will continue to support customers with a wide array of use cases,” Keane told TechCrunch.

This acquisition positions Anduril to significantly advance edge computing capabilities in demanding environments, with implications for both military and potential future commercial applications.